TECHNICAL SHEET
Feltiella-System
In contrast to the other spider mite predators, Feltiella acarisuga has a winged
stage. Thanks to this, spider mite populations can be detected much faster and
over larger areas.
Biology
2. Feltiella also controls overwintered red spider mite, which
may be important in spring and autumn.
Feltiella acarisuga is a gall midge, similar to the aphid predator
Aphidoletes. The adult Feltiella lays yellow-coloured eggs of
about 0.25 mm amongst red spider mite colonies. After about
two days, a creamy brownish yellow larva hatches from this
egg, and devours red spider mites. Feltiella has four larval
stages. After about one week, the larvae pupate. The fullygrown larvae are 1.7 to 1.9 mm long and have a diameter of
0.4 mm. The pupae of Feltiella look like white fluff and are
usually found near the veins of the leaf. They are 1 to 1.5 mm
long. The total life cycle varies with temperature, but generally
takes about 2 to 4 weeks.
Feltiella is also found endemically, and can be often seen in
crops towards the end of the summer.
3. The toxic carmine spider mite (Tetranychus cinnabarinus),
which can cause great damage in crops, like carnations and
tomatoes, can be effectively controlled with Feltiella.
Field of application
6. Feltiella larvae eat eggs, nymphs and adults of red spider
mites. Feltiella eats at least 5 times as many red spider
mites per day as Phytoseiulus.
Feltiella has already proved its use in extensive practical
experiments in cucumbers and tomatoes. In particular for
tomatoes, where the biological control of red spider mite has so
far been very difficult, Feltiella is a welcome improvement.
4. The adult Feltiella are capable, while flying, of tracking
colonies of red spider mite. The great detective capacity
of Feltiella is an important advantage in comparison with
Phytoseiulus, which can only spread by walking. Scouting
crops for the presence of Feltiella is easy since both the
larvae and the adults are visible.
5. Because of its excellent flying capacity, distributing Feltiella
in the crop requires very little work.
7. Field tests show that Feltiella is also active in cold and
dark weather in spring and autumn. That is an important
advantage in strawberries and soft fruits.
Advantages
8. Feltiella can easily be detected in the crop. Both its larvae
and its pupae are conspicuous.
Feltiella will become an important component of the biological
control of red spider mite, particularly because of the following
advantages:
Side effects
1.In contrast to the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis,
Feltiella is able to effectively control red spider mites in
tomatoes.
In case of heavy infestations of red spider mite, Feltiella can
be used in combination with the special tomato-Phytoseiulus
(Phytoseiulus-T-System).
Experiments have shown that Thiovit (sulphur), Rubigan and
Rovral are safe to use. Torque can influence the population
build-up of Feltiella because the red spider mite is killed. For
more information, check the side-effects list.
Biobest N.V. - Ilse Velden 18 - 2260 Westerlo (Belgium) - Tel.: +32 14 25.79.80 - Fax: +32 14 25.79.82 - E-mail: [email protected] - www.biobest.be
EN 140512
Feltiella-System
Feltiella is supplied as pupae on paper pieces and wood
shavings in 1L pots. One pot contains 250 pupae. These pots
are very user-friendly. By piercing the paper disc in the cover,
the adult gall midges can escape after emergence. The pots are
simply placed in the shade on the ground, in the crop at the
beginning of a row.
We recommend the application of Feltiella during the
building-up period in combination with Phytoseiulus or
Phytoseiulus-Tomato.
In the beginning, Feltiella will be concentrated in larger
colonies of red spider mite. As the Feltiella population
increases, Feltiella will distribute to smaller colonies of red
spider mite.
ADVANTAGES
Feltiella-LV-System
Feltiella is also available in a low-volume plastic box of 280
ml containing 250 pupae on paper pieces and wood shavings.
Biobest advice
1. In spring, when the red spider mites come out after
hibernation, introduce 2-3 pots per hectare weekly. It is
best to place the pots where colonies of red spider mites
are commencing.
2. Heavy infestations across the entire greenhouse in spring
are best controlled by putting out 10 pots (250 pupae) per
hectare weekly, during six successive weeks. The purpose
is to build up a Feltiella population across the entire crop
as soon as possible.
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Also applicable in tomatoes;
Applicable in crops where scouting is difficult,
such as ornamentals;
Also kills red spider mite and the toxic spider
mite Tetranychus cinnabarinus;
Excellent detective capacity;
Spreads while flying;
User-friendly & labour-saving;
Can be used in cold and dark weather in spring
and autumn;
Provides long-lasting protection;
Can be easily seen in the crop.
3. In summer, the number of introductions can be limited to
4, because the life cycle of Feltiella becomes shorter at
increasing temperatures.
Biobest guarantees the quality of its products. However, Biobest has no control over how the product is used and therefore disclaims any liability for loss of function, or for damage that might occur from direct or indirect use, transport
or storage.
Biobest N.V. - Ilse Velden 18 - 2260 Westerlo (Belgium) - Tel.: +32 14 25.79.80 - Fax: +32 14 25.79.82 - E-mail: [email protected] - www.biobest.be